Twenty-eight former NFL players, 23 of whom are Hall of Famers, filed the class action lawsuit, which also names NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith; former player Mike Vrabel, who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs; and current Patriots quarterback Tom Brady as defendants.

The plaintiffs claim that when the NFLPA decertified in March, the defendants lost their authority to negotiate for the terms of the retirees’ benefits. They are seeking a declaration that allows them to alter their benefits outlined in the new CBA.